U.S. patent application number 11/701098 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-07 for locker wall-protector and contents organizer.
Invention is credited to David T. Clowser, Karl V. Meckert.
Application Number | 20080185946 11/701098 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39675572 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080185946 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meckert; Karl V. ; et
al. |
August 7, 2008 |
Locker wall-protector and contents organizer
Abstract
Apparatus for protecting, from wear, tear and abuse, the
interior walls (e.g., the side and back walls) of a conventional
storage locker of the type commonly used in schools, gymnasia,
clubs and work places for temporarily storing various possessions
of the locker user. Such apparatus preferably comprises a foldable
protective panel made of a durable textile, cloth fabric, plastic,
textile/plastic blends or other flexible material that is shaped
and sized to overlay a major portion of at least one of the
interior walls of such locker. A plurality of attachment elements,
such as magnets, serves to releasably attach such panel to the
locker wall(s) at spaced locations over the surface of the panel.
Preferably, the panel is made of denim, and the denim panel
supports a plurality of organizing pockets and/or loops of
different sizes and shapes that are adapted to temporarily receive
and/or support various possessions of the locker user, e.g., a cell
phone, wallet, coins, writing utensils, tools, books, food,
etc.
Inventors: |
Meckert; Karl V.; (Hudson,
OH) ; Clowser; David T.; (Hellertown, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Warren W. Kurz
2275 Springtown Hill Road
Hellertown
PA
18055
US
|
Family ID: |
39675572 |
Appl. No.: |
11/701098 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/259 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 61/00 20130101;
A47B 97/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/259 |
International
Class: |
A47B 47/00 20060101
A47B047/00 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for simultaneously protecting the inside surfaces of a
storage locker while affording the locker user an opportunity to
organize objects to be stored within such locker, said storage
locker being in the shape of a parallelepiped of rectangular
cross-section and having a storage space defined by a pair of
spaced, parallel side walls, a back wall interconnecting opposing
edges of said side walls, and a front wall that supports an access
door hinged along one side for pivotal movement between
locker-opening and locker-closing positions, said apparatus
comprising: (a) a flexible protective panel sized to overlie a
major portion of at least one of said walls of said storage locker,
said panel having a plurality of pockets formed therein for
receiving and storing personal objects of the storage locker user;
and (b) a plurality of coupling devices for releasably attaching
said flexible panel to one or more of said walls of said storage
locker at spaced locations.
2. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said flexible
protective panel comprise a material selected from the group
consisting of textiles, cloth, fabric, plastic, and textile/plastic
blends.
3. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said panel comprises
denim.
4. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said panel has a
surface area sufficiently large to cover the surface area of one of
said side walls or said back wall.
5. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said panel has a
surface area sufficiently large enough to cover a major portion of
the respective surface areas of both of said side walls and said
back wall.
6. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein locker walls are
comprised of a magnetically-attractive material, and wherein said
coupling devices for releasably attaching said panel to said locker
walls comprises a plurality of magnetic members that are
positionable at spaced locations on the surface of said panel, each
magnetic member being capable of producing a magnetic field
projecting through said panel, said magnetic field being
sufficiently strong to support at least a portion said panel on a
locker wall.
7. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein locker walls are
comprised of a magnetically-attractive material, and wherein said
coupling devices for releasably attaching said panel to said locker
walls comprises a plurality of magnetic coupling devices, each
being magnetically attracted to said locker walls, and each
carrying a mechanical, panel-engaging device adapted to engage said
panel at a predetermined location.
8. The apparatus as defined by claim 7 wherein each of said
magnetic coupling devices comprises a housing that supports (i) a
magnetic member on one side of said housing, and (ii) said
mechanical panel-engaging device on an opposite side of said
housing.
9. The apparatus as defined by claim 8 wherein each of said
mechanical panel-engaging devices comprises a stem that extends
outwardly from said opposite side of said housing, said stem being
adapted to pass through an opening formed in said panel, said stem
pivotally supporting a rocker member that can be manually moved
between a first position in which it provides no substantial
interference to the passage of said stem through said panel
opening, and a second position in which it prevents said stem from
being withdrawn from said opening after said stem has passed
through said panel opening.
10. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said panel supports
a plurality of snaps at a predetermined locations, and said locker
walls support a plurality of complementary snaps at spaced
locations, said complementary snaps being adapted to mate with said
panel snaps and thereby form a releasable connection.
11. The apparatus as defined by claim 8 wherein said panel supports
a plurality of snaps at a predetermined locations, and wherein said
mechanical panel-engaging device on said opposite side of said
housing comprises a complementary snap adapted to releasably engage
a snap on said panel.
12. The apparatus as defined by claim 8 wherein said panel defines
a plurality of button holes at a predetermined locations, and
wherein said mechanical panel-engaging device on said opposite side
of said housing comprises a button adapted to releasably engage a
button whole in said panel.
13. The apparatus as defined by claim 7 wherein said panel
comprises a denim material.
14. The apparatus as defined by claim 10 wherein said panel
comprises a denim material.
15. The apparatus as defined by claim 12 wherein said panel
comprises a denim material.
16. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said panel supports
a zipper by which said panel, upon being removed from said locker
walls and folded so that said pockets are positioned within the
folded panel, can converted to a duffel bag for transporting all
objects stored within said pockets.
17. The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said panel supports
a pair of complementary Velcro.RTM. strips by which said panel,
upon being removed from said locker walls and folded so that said
pockets are positioned within the folded panel, can be converted to
a duffel bag for transporting all objects stored within said
pockets.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to improvements in storage
lockers, particularly school lockers and the like, which are widely
used to temporarily store a wide variety of personal articles for
subsequent retrieval by the locker user. More specifically, this
invention relates to an apparatus that serves to protect the
interior walls of a storage locker while functioning to organize
articles to be stored within the locker interior.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
[0004] Most schools, as well as many institutions and businesses,
offer storage lockers in which students, employees and visitors may
temporarily "off-load" their personal possessions while attending
classes and/or performing activities that do not require the use of
such possessions. Most Americans encounter such lockers for the
first time when they reach junior high-school age and are assigned
a school locker in which to store books and other school-related
paraphernalia, as well as items of clothing, food and other
personal items. It is generally understood that such locker
facilities are only assigned to individuals for a limited time
period (e.g., for the school year) and, thereafter, the lockers are
to be surrendered in a condition that reflects only reasonable wear
and tear. Unfortunately, many storage lockers, and particularly the
interior walls of school lockers, are inordinately scratched,
marred, dented or otherwise abused, defaced or "grafettyized" by
their users, thereby requiring premature refurbishing and repair
before being reassigned to another user. It would be desirable,
therefore, to provide apparatus that not only provides protection
for the interior of such storage lockers from such abuse, but also
tends to dissuade any defacing of the locker interior by the
user.
[0005] A typical school locker measures about 12 inches in width,
between 12 and 18 inches in depth, and between 3 and 6 feet in
height. The locker walls are commonly made of sheet-metal, most
often, steel. Aside from a few clothing hooks attached to the
opposing side walls and back wall of the locker, and one or two
horizontal shelves located about 12 inches down from the top of the
locker, conventional school lockers usually provide nothing else by
which the student may organize the items to be stored. To address
this problem, various "locker organizers" have been developed over
the years that operate to vertically compartmentalize the locker
interior. See, for example, the respective disclosures of U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,537,451; 5,746,331; and 6,814,418 which describe different
types of auxiliary shelving apparatus, each comprising a plurality
of shelves that are horizontally supported one above the other
within the locker interior. The supporting structure for such
shelving either hangs vertically downward from either the lowest
permanent shelf at the top of the locker, or from the above-noted
clothing hooks. Alternatively, the shelves are supported by a
collapsible stand that rests on the floor of the locker. While such
"auxiliary" shelving does serve to vertically compartmentalize the
major storage volume of the locker, and thereby provide a certain
degree of organization to the locker, it inherently interferes with
the storage of winter garments, book bags, back-packs and other
relatively bulky or elongated items that cannot fit within the
vertical compartments defined by such additional shelving, or along
side such shelving. Thus, there is still a need to provide a locker
organizer that preserves most of the interior volume of the locker
itself for the storage of relatively large items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of the foregoing discussion, an object of this
invention is to provide apparatus that not only shields interior
locker walls from marring and abuse by the locker user, but also
provides a plurality of compartments for storing various items of
the locker user in an organized fashion.
[0007] Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus
of the above type that readily lends itself to personalization by
the locker user and thereby provides an outlet to those who might
be inclined to draw on the walls of the locker or otherwise deface
the locker walls, e.g. by place hard-to-remove stickers on the
locker walls.
[0008] Still another object of the invention is to provide a locker
organizer of the type described that, optionally, is readily
removable from the locker interior and converted to a portable bag
that holds within it all of the items previously stored within the
organizer.
[0009] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, apparatus
is provided for protecting, from ordinary wear and tear, the
interior walls (e.g., the side and back walls) of a conventional
storage locker of the type commonly used in schools, gymnasia,
clubs and work places for temporarily storing various possessions
of the locker user. Such apparatus preferably comprises a foldable
protective panel of durable fabric, plastic or other flexible
material that is shaped and sized to overlay a major portion of at
least one, and more preferably three or more, of the interior walls
of such locker. A plurality of attachment elements, such as
magnets, serves to releasably attach such panel to the locker
wall(s) at spaced locations over the surface of the panel.
Preferably, the panel is made of denim, and the panel supports a
plurality of organizing pockets or loops of different sizes and
shapes that are adapted to temporarily receive and support various
possessions of the locker user, e.g., a cell phone, wallet, coins,
writing utensils, tools, books, etc.
[0010] According to a preferred feature of the invention, a zipper
or Velcro sealing mechanism is attached to the perimeter of the
panel, whereby the panel, upon being removed from an operable
position within a locker and suitably folded so that its opposing
edges may be zipped or otherwise releasably sealed together, will
convert to a storage bag that contains all of the previously stored
items in the organizer.
[0011] The invention, its features and its advantages will be
better understood from the ensuing detailed description of
preferred embodiments, reference being made to the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference characters denote like parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is perspective illustration showing a conventional
storage locker;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective illustration of a portion
of the locker of FIG. 1 showing the FIG. 2 apparatus in combination
therewith;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of the FIG. 2 apparatus
in a travel bag configuration;
[0016] FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional and top illustrations,
respectively, of a preferred magnetic member used to releasably
connect the apparatus of FIG. 2 to the walls of a metal storage
locker; and
[0017] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A and 9B illustrate
alternative devices for releasably attaching the apparatus of FIG.
2 to locker walls.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a
conventional school locker L of the type in which the apparatus of
the invention is particularly useful. From the ensuing description,
it will be appreciated that the apparatus of the invention is
useful in any type of storage locker of the configuration described
herein and where both locker integrity and organization of stored
articles are goals of interest. As shown, a school locker typically
comprises a sheet-metal structure 10 having a parallelepiped
configuration defined by a pair of opposing rectangular side walls
12A and 12B, a rectangular back wall 14, and an access door 16
(also rectangular in shape) that is pivotally-mounted along one
vertical edge 16A to a frame that supports the locker walls.
Completing the locker structure is a floor 18, and a top plate 20.
In use, the walls and door are vertically oriented, and the top
plate and floor are horizontally oriented. A horizontal shelf 22 is
commonly arranged in the upper region of the storage enclosure
defined by the locker walls, as shown, and a plurality of clothing
hooks 24 are mounted on the opposing side walls. Typically, several
lockers are connected together side-by-side so that the side walls
of each locker are shared with the adjacent lockers on opposite
sides.
[0019] For various reasons, the vertical walls of the
above-described sheet-metal structure 10 are typically made of a
relatively thin-gauge steel panel, each having a thickness of
between about 25 and 50 mils (i.e., about 0.025 and 0.005 inch).
Being made of steel, the locker walls are apt to oxidize (rust)
upon being scratched and exposed to moisture. Being relatively
thin, the locker walls can be easily dented and otherwise abused by
physical force applied by the locker user. Thus, unless
continuously maintained by painting and repair, most school lockers
have a lifetime that is sub-optimum.
[0020] To enhance the lifetime and appearance of storage lockers of
the above type, there is provided, in accordance with the
invention, an apparatus 30, shown in plan view in FIG. 2. Apparatus
30 comprises a flexible panel 32, generally rectangular in shape,
that is sized to overlay a major portion of the interior surfaces
of the locker side walls 12A and 12B, and back wall 14. Preferably,
the length L of the panel is approximately equal to the spacing
between a plane P defined by the lowermost portions of the clothing
hooks, and locker floor 18; and the width W of the panel is
substantially equal to the combined widths of locker walls 12A, 12B
and 14. In FIG. 2, the locker walls are shown in phantom lines,
indicating that panel 32 overlies the entire portion of the locker
walls between the horizontal plane P and floor 18. Preferably,
panel 32 is releasably attached to the steel locker walls by a
plurality of magnetic members 34 (shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) that
are releasably attached, as described below, to panel 32 through
openings 40 arranged at spaced locations. Preferably, panel 32 is
made of a durable textile, cloth or fabric, and most preferably,
panel 32 is made of denim or a light-weight canvas; however, panel
32 may be made of other flexible materials, including plastics and
blends (e.g., cotton and polyester), and quilted or multilayered
fabrics, so long as such material is reasonable durable and can
conform to the interior surfaces of the locker.
[0021] Still referring to FIG. 2 which shows a particularly
preferred embodiment of the invention, panel 32 supports a
plurality of pockets 35A-35L by which the various possessions of a
student (or other locker user) can be organized. The location and
size of some these storage pockets (e.g., pockets 35A, 35B, 35C,
35D, 35E and 35F) resemble that found in a conventional pair of
blue jeans; other, significantly larger, pockets (e.g., "cargo"
pockets, 35H, 35I and 35J) are provided to hold books, food and
other relatively large objects. An elongated but shallow pocket 35G
and zippered pockets 35K and 35L serve to provide storage for
smaller items. A series of loops 38 (like belt loops) are provided
at the top of the panel to support clip-on items such as keys. A
zipper Z, or the like, is sewn to the perimeter of the panel 32,
one-component of the zipper Z' being arranged on the right side (as
viewed in FIG. 2) of the zipper tab T, with the complementary side
Z'' of the zipper being arranged on the left side of the zipper
tab. Thus, upon detaching panel 30 from the locker interior,
folding the panel along the central vertical axis S so that the
panel pockets become located inside the folded panel, engaging the
mating ends of the zipper and pulling on the zipper tab T along the
panel perimeter, the panel will take the shape of a duffel bag 42
(shown in FIG. 4) which may be used to carry the entire assembly
from the locker environment with the stored possessions inside. The
top of such duffel bag may be closed by a drawstring 44 passing
through an enclosed channel located along the top edge of panel 32
in the vicinity of the loops 38. Various alternatives to the
zippered closure of the duffel bag may be used, e.g., mating strips
of Velcro.RTM., can be used to releasably connect opposite sides
and the bottom edges of the panel, one Velcro strip being sewn to
one side of the panel in place of one of the zipper members, and
the complementary Velcro.RTM. strip being sewn to the other side of
the panel in place of the complementary zipper member. Such a
Velcro.RTM., coupling can be used to close the duffel bag as well.
Preferably, an adjustable shoulder strap 60 is suitable affixed to
the rear surface of the panel (i.e., the panel surface adjacent the
locker walls) to facilitate the transport of the duffel bag.
[0022] As indicated above, the preferred approach for releasably
attaching panel 32 to the locker walls is to use a plurality of
magnetic couplers 34, shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. While a plurality
of relatively strong permanent magnets positioned at spaced
locations on the outer surface of panel 32 (i.e., the exposed
surface of the panel shown in the drawings) may be used to
releasably connect the panel to the steel walls of the locker (in
which case the magnetic field of the magnets will penetrate the
panel and interact with the underlying steel surface of the locker
wall to achieve coupling), it is preferred that less powerful
magnets be used, as is possible using the magnetic coupling
structure illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Using this structure, the
magnets couple directly to the steel locker walls (rather than
through the panel), and panel 32 is mechanically connected to the
magnets, preferably by the "cuff-link" style connector shown in the
drawing.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a preferred magnetic coupler
34 comprises a cup-shaped metal housing 50 that is adapted to
receive a disc-shaped permanent magnet 52. Magnet 52 may be
permanently secured to the bottom of the concave housing by a
suitable adhesive or the like. Preferably, the circular flange 53
of housing 50 is co-extensive with the thickness of the magnet;
thus, the exposed surface 52A of the magnetic disc is substantially
co-planar with the plane of the exposed circular edge of the
flange. A bifurcated stem 55 extends outwardly from the rear
surface of housing 50. A pivot pin 56 extends between the spaced
stem portions 55A and 55B, and the pin supports an elongated rocker
member 57. Thus, rocker member 57 is pivotally mounted between the
stem portions 55A and 55B for movement between a loading position,
and a locking position that is perpendicular to the stem portions.
Thus, a "cuff-link" style connector is provided on the rear side of
housing 50. In use, such a coupling first operates in its loading
position to enter and engage a small opening or "eyelet" 40 formed
in panel 32; thereafter, the rocker member 57 is pivoted to its
locking position, thereby capturing the panel between the base of
member 57 and the rear surface 50A of housing 50. The panel is then
positioned within the locker interior at a desired location, and
the magnet is moved towards the steel wall of the locker until
there is a magnetic coupling.
[0024] In addition to the above coupling scheme, other coupling
schemes for releasably connecting the panel and the magnetic
members 52 will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. For
example, referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, conventional push-together
snaps can be used, with one portion, e.g., the male portion 65 of
the snap (shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B), being attached to the panel
32, and the complementary portion, e.g., the female portion (shown
in FIG. 6A), being carried by either the rear side of housing 50A,
shown in FIG. 6B, or directly to the wall of the locker itself.
While the latter approach does not use any magnets to achieve
coupling and, thus, can be used when the locker walls are not
magnetically attractive, it does require that one portion of the
snap be mechanically connected to the locker wall. Still another
alternative coupling scheme for releasably connecting panel 32 to
the locker walls is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Here, a "button" B,
plastic or metal, is attached to the rear surface 50A of housing 50
using a short plastic fiber 62, whereby the button is allowed
sufficient freedom of manipulative movement to enter and engage a
button hole formed in panel 32. Thus, in this case, each opening or
eyelet 40 in panel 32 is in the form of a slot-shaped button hole
that is adapted (i.e., sized) to receive such button, rather than a
circular hole 40, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, as is desirable to
receive the aforementioned stem 55. Further, in this latter
variation, the magnetic disc 52 is replaced with a magnetic ring
52A (shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B), the open center of which provides
space for the T-shaped ends 62A of the plastic fiber used to secure
the button B to the housing 50 through a hole 50B therein.
[0025] A further scheme for releasably attaching panel 32 to the
locker wall is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B where a threaded bolt 68,
extending outwardly through a hole formed in housing 50, passes
through a preformed eyelet formed in panel 32. A wing-nut 70, or
the like then releasably secures panel 32 to the magnetic
structure.
[0026] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that
a new, useful and non-obvious apparatus has been provided for
protecting the interior vertical surfaces of a conventional storage
locker of the type used in schools gyms, sports clubs and work
environments. Such apparatus affords storage opportunities in the
form of various pockets formed in the protective panel itself,
rather than in the form of flimsy horizontal shelving that often
interferes with the storage of bulky items that are often hung from
hooks within the locker. Being readily removable from the locker,
protective/storage panel 32 can be easily cleaned and/or laundered.
Further, if the panel is made of fabric or textile, it can be
easily mended, decorated and/or personalized (e.g., with pins and
iron-on images) to suit the desires and personality of the locker
user. In such case, any tendency to abuse or otherwise deface the
locker interior will be lessened, much to the satisfaction of the
locker owner. By being convertible to a duffel bag, the user (e.g.,
a student) can easily remove the contents of the locker, as may be
required by a school over lengthy holiday intervals.
[0027] While the invention has been described with reference to
particularly preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that
variations can be made without departing from the spirit of the
invention, and such variations are also intended to fall within the
scope of the following claims. For example, panel 32 may be sized
to overlie only one vertical surface of the locker interior, e.g.,
the inside surface of the access door. Alternatively, panel 32 may
be sized to overlie a major portion of all four vertical surfaces
within the locker's major storage area.
* * * * *